.png)
NCIC chairman Samuel Kobia
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has condemned the recent inter-communal fights in Baragoi, Samburu County.
NCIC said it was deeply alarmed by the development it termed barbaric and inhuman.
The statement follows an incident where at least six people were shot dead and eight others seriously injured in a cattle raid incident in Baragoi, Samburu County.
“The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) is deeply alarmed by the escalating inter-communal tensions in Kilepoi Kawap Location Baragoi area, Samburu North Sub-County, Samburu County, which has resulted in the loss of five lives, and stealing of estimated 800 livestock.
“We strongly condemn this barbaric inhuman acts towards other Kenyans,” NCIC chair Samuel Kobia said.
The Commission called on involved parties to immediately cease hostilities.
Kobia added that NCIC together with other law enforcement agencies have commenced investigations to establish the root causes of the conflict.
“Violence and conflict have no place in our communities, and the continued strife only serves to deepen division and suffering in the communities in this county.”
NCIC urged the political class to take an active role in promoting dialogue and peaceful co-existence.
It further called on security agencies to bring all perpetrators to account.
“We urge political and community leaders to take an active role in fostering dialogue and promoting peaceful coexistence. It is imperative to abandon harmful practices like cattle rustling and theft, and instead explore sustainable, alternative means of livelihood.
“Every community matter and each has the right to engage in livestock keeping or any other form of farming without fear of external interference or violence.
“We call upon security forces to take swift action in apprehending perpetrators of these criminal acts and ensuring they face the full force of the law. Justice must be served to protect the rights and safety of all communities as provided for in the Constitution of Kenya 2010.”
NCIC called for calm and restraint from retaliation.
Officials said up to 700 livestock were stolen in the attack in Samburu North.
Area Deputy County Commissioner Samwel Mwangi said multi-agency teams managed to recover about 150 animals from the attackers.
He added the teams were pursuing the attackers for more recoveries.
He said armed raiders stormed a settlement in Kilepoi area and opened fire before driving away the livestock.
The injured were rushed to Baragoi and Samburu County Referral Hospital for treatment while security agencies assessed the extent of the damage.
